Events & Special Presentations
reachAbility Awarded the 2008 Human Rights Award
We are very pleased to announce that reachAbility has been chosen as the Recipient Agency of the Partners for Human Rights Award in honour of International Human Rights Day. Close to three hundred people attended the 2008 Partners for Human Rights awards ceremonies on Wednesday December 10th. Including Eastlink & Global T.V.
Open House - International Day of persons with Disabilities
December 3rd is the International Day of persons with Disabilities; and the reachAbility Association is celebrating a Decade of services to the community.
Did You Know?
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol was adopted on 13 December 2006 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and was opened for signature on 30 March 2007.
2008 Discrimination Prevention Forum "Making an Impact"
The Canadian Human Rights Commission’s 2008 Discrimination Prevention Forum "Making an Impact," will take place from October 27-29, 2008. You will not want to miss the opportunity to participate in this national event.
Disability Awareness Training - University of Kings College
This summer reachAbility's Co-founder & Senior Project Consultant, Tova Sherman presented, "Disability Awareness Training: Diversity and Dignity" at the Kings Interchange Conference 2008 in Halifax.
Topics included:
- The concept of Equal vs Special
- Disability Classification-Terminology
- Specific Types of Disabilities
- Communication Tips
- The Power of Words
- Accomodation
- Facts & Figures
Perspective on Disability
Shirley Goldsmith, a three-time cancer survivor, shares her story of perseverence with the 4-Youth group. Shirley has been through numerous surgeries, severe weight loss and the loss of her voicebox to esophageal cancer, yet she feels lucky to have such great support from her freinds and family. Her story is an inspiration and a shining example of the power of optimism and positive thinking.
No matter what comes her way Shirley always has a smile that she attributes to faith in knowing the medical community is doing all they can to keep her alive.
"My aim is to keep alive and have a quality of life -I may not have the quality of life I had before- but there is a quality of life, and I'm going after it".
Get inspired by Shirley's Story… 
Seniors Music Outreach Initiative
Since June 2008, reachAbility has been implementing the Senior Music Outreach Initiative, a new summer program run with the support of local musicians. The goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of seniors through the performing arts, while also identifying the primary needs of seniors in a fast-changing urban environment.
Reaching out to the community, with volunteer performances, provides seniors and performers an opportunity to engage and enjoy themselves through music. Allowing performers and seniors the chance to interrelate with one another helps to bridge the gap between older and younger generations. Creating this union is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy community and identifying the primary needs of seniors in Halifax.
As part of the Senior Music Outreach Initiative, seven concerts have been performed by local volunteer musicians free of charge to seniors' organizations throughout the city during the summer of 2008.
Due to the extraordinary response to this outreach initiative, reachAbility plans to expand this program outside of the senior community. Although the Music Outreach Initiative was originally a summer endeavor, there are plans in place to broaden it into a year-round program.
Check out the talented Musicians…
Disability Awareness Training Fundraiser
This fall, IDEA and reachAbility partner to offer tailored and interactive Diversity and Disability Awareness Training in three sectors: Private Sectors, Public Sectors and Non-Profit's.
All proceeds from these sessions will be going back to reachAbility to be invested into programs for people living with disabilities.
TOP